Speed of Progress/Change

I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.

- Marie Curie

I agree with that assertion in general and believe that progress is slow and requires focused, intense work by an individual or a team of people.

In the Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell talks about change that is quick, dramatic and of epidemic proportions. That is completely contrary to the "slow theory"! Granted not all change is progress. But it is true that some of the changes do happen pretty quick, especially those which involve large number of people.

Another example is the cellphone adaption in India as shown in the chart. Are there different kinds of progress, some quick and some fast...?